SUPPORTING ACTS

While we tend to invest a lot of time planning the overall design and layout of our backyards, sometimes this leads to the finer details being overlooked. Here, Jacinta Walsh speaks with Tim Sprague, the managing director of Kiama Landscapes & Pools, to discuss the ways supporting elements such as coping, paving and outdoor furniture can impact the visual and practical appeal of a backyard pool area.

If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well, and putting the finishing touches to your backyard is no different. It’s the simple things like a fresh coat of paint, a new varnish on your deck or versatile pieces of furniture that add character to a backyard, and are the reason why you’ll want to return to it each day.

Your outdoor space should feel as though it’s an extension of your home. It’s important that it receives the same level of care and attention to detail you show your interiors, while also encouraging your family to reap the benefits of Mother Nature.

Proven to lower stress, boost the immune system and focus our attention, spending time outside has never been so important. As we grow ever more attached to our screens, activities such as tending to a garden or playing in the pool will give you much-needed downtime, as well as a chance to spend quality time with your family.

Regardless of whether you’re starting afresh or restoring an existing exterior, read ahead as Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design learns that with a few practical and cosmetic changes, your outdoor space can continue to bring you joy for years to come.

LAY OF THE LAND

Before defining zones within a backyard, Tim Sprague says the team at Kiama Landscapes & Pools encourages clients to think about how they will use the space. “With a clear vision, we will be able to work with [your] property, and consider its style, size, flow and functionality to create a worthwhile outdoor space,” he says. It’s best to include useful amenities that will complement your lifestyle, such as a pool area for recreation, an undercover area for alfresco dining and a landscaped garden to fill out the space.

When installing a pool, or simply updating your backyard, assess the area you have to work with. Are you best utilising the space?

If the answer is no, think about whether you are willing to part with large items that may be consuming precious square metreage, such as an old shed, cubby house or large tree. Once these items are removed, you’ll be impressed with just how much space you have to work with – but don’t take this for granted! Maintain balance by limiting yourself to the essentials, as overcrowding can make your newfound space suddenly seem a whole lot smaller.

PAVING THE WAY

When it comes to your pool, practical and visual considerations also need to be made in selecting your pool coping, paving and fencing. While often overlooked, it’s these small design choices that can really elevate the look and feel of your outdoor space. “Pool coping frames the pool to highlight and accentuate [its border], while connecting it with the surrounding landscape,” Sprague says. “A variety of stone, colours and styles are available; popular choices include bluestone or travertine with straight or drop-down edges.” Keep in mind that paving in the same type of stone will create a seamless extension from your pool coping to pathways, and outdoor entertaining and dining areas.

While fencing around your pool is required by Australian law, it doesn’t have to impact the overall appeal of your backyard. Frameless-glass fencing will ensure your pool area is safe as well as stylish, so that you don’t have to worry about intrusive bars interrupting the view from your entertaining area.

MADE IN THE SHADE

The main objective when refreshing your outdoor area is to make it as usable as possible. That said, a vital consideration is how to protect yourself against the elements, particularly the sun and its harmful UV rays. “There are many ways to add shade to your outdoor space, including outdoor rooms, a pergola, or a less-permanent structure like a cantilever umbrella or shade sail,” Sprague says. While umbrellas offer temporary relief from the sun, if you’re looking to utilise the space in the cooler months, a pergola with retractable walls will do the job justice.

Alternatively, you can always sit back and let nature do the work. “A tree canopy can provide a beautiful filter for the sun, ensuring the perfect mix of sun and shade,” he says. Before committing to anything, address the aspect of your property – where does the sun naturally hit during key parts of the day? This is where you will need to install your shade option.

AN OUTDOOR ROOM WITH A VIEW

Many homeowners choose to include an alfresco area, or outdoor room, that connects with their home to further expand their open-plan living space. “An alfresco area allows you to enjoy your outdoor space all year round, being perfect for dining, lounging or just taking in the view,” Sprague says. But of course, how comfortable and usable this space is comes down to how you style it.

When furnishing the area, select key pieces of furniture that will ensure the space is enjoyable each time you venture outside. Put careful thought into how you will dress the space as well. Outdoor cushions and throw rugs can add a touch of warmth, while multiple chairs and lounge options will promote communal living. To ensure they stand the test of time, it’s also a good idea to provide a place to store these items when the weather turns.

While your outdoor area is meant to be an adaptable space, it’s often best practice to establish traffic patterns and lay formal pathways. When positioning furniture, face it away from walls and turn towards the pool, which Sprague says can be a feature at all points of the day.

“LED underwater lighting will add magic to your pool at night,” Sprague says. You can further add to this atmosphere by installing “feature lights to showcase stairs or pathways and garden lights to highlight trees and other garden features”.

FINISHING ON A HIGH NOTE

Landscaping the area will bring everything together by filling in any gaps you may have between the big feature zones; the pool and the alfresco area. “There is a multitude of choice for plants to complement your pool area,” Sprague says. Depending on your preference, style, available space, directional aspect, sun and shade requirements, your landscaper will be able to select the right plants for you.

Remember that you’re trying to create a space that you want to spend time in. “A total revamp or a light refresh with some paving, decking, garden features, plants, fencing or lighting can give your garden a new lease on life,” Sprague says.

Treat your outdoor space with a little care and watch as it rewards you with afternoons and weekends of bliss. Create the perfect entertainer’s space, hidden oasis or family backyard as you become synchronised with nature and all it has to offer – right at your backdoor.